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Identity Services

Fundamentals of Identity Service Providers​

Identity Service Providers (IdPs) form the backbone of modern authentication and authorization systems. They manage digital identities and provide secure user authentication across multiple applications and services. The core functions include:

  • Authentication: Verifying user identity through various methods (passwords, MFA, biometrics)
  • Authorization: Determining what resources authenticated users can access
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Enabling users to authenticate once and access multiple systems
  • Federation: Establishing trust between different identity domains
  • User Lifecycle Management: Managing the creation, modification, and deletion of user accounts
  • Protocol Support: Implementing standards like SAML, OAuth 2.0, and OpenID Connect

Leading Identity Service Providers​

Cloud Platform IdPs​

  • Microsoft Azure AD: Microsoft's cloud identity solution with deep integration for Microsoft services
  • AWS IAM Identity Center: Native AWS solution for unified access to AWS resources
  • Google Cloud Identity: Google's identity platform with strong integration to Google services

Specialized Third-Party IdPs​

  • Okta: Cloud-first identity platform with extensive application integrations
  • Ping Identity: Enterprise-focused solution with strong hybrid deployment capabilities
  • OneLogin: Unified access management with emphasis on security and compliance
  • Auth0: Developer-friendly platform with extensive customization options
  • ForgeRock: Comprehensive identity platform supporting complex enterprise scenarios

Open Source Options​

  • Keycloak: Flexible open-source solution with broad protocol support
  • Shibboleth: SAML-focused federation system popular in academic environments
  • OpenIAM: Open-source identity and access management suite

Legacy On-Premises​

  • Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS): Traditional on-premises federation service
  • Oracle Identity Management: Enterprise identity suite with comprehensive capabilities

The identity provider landscape continues to evolve toward cloud-native solutions with enhanced security features, simplified management, and broader integration capabilities to address the growing complexity of modern IT environments.